Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) is an antimetabolite. It's used by adults to treat actinic keratosis, a condition that involves pre-cancerous spots or growths on the skin. Fluorouracil works by stopping these abnormal skin cells from growing. Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) is applied directly on the affected area(s) of the face and front of the scalp once daily, for up to 4 weeks. The most common side effects of this medication are symptoms of skin irritation, such as redness, dryness, and stinging.
Actinic (or solar) keratosis on the face and front of scalp
Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) is an antimetabolite. It works by getting in the way of cells making copies of their genetic material. When applied on pre-cancerous or cancerous skin cells, fluorouracil prevents them from being able to grow.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Redness and swelling of normal skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Burning feeling where medicine is applied
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
oozing
skin rash
soreness or tenderness of skin
Less common or rare
Darkening of skin
scaling
watery eyes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Some people noted clear skin in as early as one week
Applied once per day directly on the skin
Available as a generic
Commonly causes uncomfortable skin reactions, such as redness, dryness, and burning
Hasn't been studied in children
Must be avoided during pregnancy
Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) should be applied on your skin. But try your best to avoid putting medication near sensitive areas, such as your eyes or mouth, and on damaged skin because doing so can cause skin irritation.
You can apply fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) with your fingertips. Just make sure to wash your hands immediately after applying the medication so you don't accidentally get the medication on another place on your body, or on surfaces that you touch.
Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) commonly causes skin reactions, including dryness, burning, and peeling. Let your dermatologist know if the symptoms are very bothersome because they might recommend that you stop treatment early. In general, these side effects go away 2 weeks after you stop fluorouracil.
It's best to protect your skin from sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light, such as tanning beds, while you're using fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac). Exposure to UV light can raise your risk of side effects from this medication. It's recommended to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hats, long-sleeved shirts) to minimize exposure to sunlight.
Wait at least 2 hours after applying fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) to put on moisturizer or sunscreen. But don't apply any other skin products, like make up or topical medications, unless your dermatologist says it's okay to do so.
Don't cover the area treated with fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) with a dressing or bandages, unless your dermatologist has instructed you to do so.
Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) shouldn't be used during pregnancy because it might cause serious harm. Make sure to let your dermatologist know if you become pregnant while using fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac). They'll likely consider a different medication for you.
It's not known if fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) can get into breastmilk. Talk to your dermatologist about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while using fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac). They might recommend you use formula at least until you finish your treatment.
Store fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) at room temperature in a dry place. Don't freeze it, since this can damage the medication.
Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Females of childbearing age
Fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac) can cause harm to an unborn baby, such as birth defects and miscarriage, if it's used during pregnancy. Let your dermatologist know if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac).
Risk factors: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency
There has been no reported case of toxicity reaction in people who used fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac).
But there has been one reported case of toxicity experienced by a person who used fluorouracil 5% topical cream. Symptoms included stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. This person was found to have inflammation and sores in their month, stomach, and bowels.
This toxicity reaction is more common in people who don't have a enzyme called dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in the body. Typically, it's more often seen with treatment of injectable fluorouracil. If you have DPD deficiency, you can't use fluorouracil 0.5% cream (Carac). Talk to your dermatologist about alternative treatments.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
30g of 0.5% | 1 tube | $2397.45 | $2397.45 |
Adults: Apply enough cream to cover the affected area(s) on the skin spot or growth with a thin film once a day. The maximum length of treatment is about a month.
Don't apply the cream near the eyes, nostrils, or mouth.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Actinic (or solar) keratosis on the face and front of scalp
Actinic (or solar) keratosis (scaly pre-cancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults
Basal cell carcinoma (certain type of skin cancer) in adults
Face or scalp actinic keratosis (scaly precancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults - all brands and strengths
Genital and anal warts in adults and children 12 years and older - Zyclara 3.75% and Aldara 5% only
Superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults - Aldara 5% only
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Bausch Health US, LLC. (2021). Carac- fluorouracil cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. (2024). Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency.
Werschler, W. P. (2008). Considerations for use of fluorouracil cream 0.5% for the treatment of actinic keratosis in elderly patients. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
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